In the heart of Wisconsin, a business phenomenon is making waves with an astonishing headquarters that feels more like a theme park than a traditional workplace. The Epic headquarters spans a whopping 1,670 acres and boasts features that inspire questions and spark curiosity. Why are there air tags on fake sheep? Why is there a giant chess set? And let’s not forget the most perplexing feature of all—a slide right in the middle of the hallway. This futuristic office is filled with delightful surprises at every turn, making it the ultimate playground for its employees.
Epic, an electronic medical records company, welcomes close to 13,000 team members every week across its five uniquely themed campuses: Prairie, Central Park, Farm, Wizards, and Storybook. This is like a real-life version of Disneyland—if Disneyland was dedicated to creating top-notch software that many people only notice when looking at their test results. The company has made a name for itself not only by producing valuable medical software but also by creating an engaging, whimsical work environment that keeps employees excited to show up each day.
Architect John Cunningham, who previously contributed to the design of Disney’s California Adventure theme park, played a pivotal role in the visionary layout of Epic’s headquarters. The core principle guiding the design was “surprises.” Each of the 28 office buildings has a unique exterior, but they all share a three-story design. The reason for this is humorously practical: if employees have to climb more than three flights of stairs, they might just skip the trek altogether. With features that connect work with play, it’s hard to believe we’re talking about a place where serious medical software is created.
Each hallway winds past whimsical details like yellow brick roads and train car conference rooms. These fun elements are not just for show. Epic believes that creating an engaging workplace is critical for recruitment. As they scout talent from liberal havens like California and New York, the strategy is simple: impress potential hires with a place that makes them think, “Wow! This is where I want to work.” It’s a strategy that seems to work wonders, drawing in top-tier talent who may have never considered Wisconsin as a career destination.
Of course, what’s a magical workplace without a bit of competitive spirit? Employees can race each other down the office slide, which doubles as an efficient way to get from one busy area to another. In just six seconds, an employee can zip from one level to the next—faster than they can say “medical records.” The slide is just one of many creative ways Epic has turned the everyday mundane into something a bit more spectacular. It’s about fostering a community where creativity flourishes, turning colleagues into collaborators and making everyone feel more invested in the bigger picture.
In summary, Epic’s headquarters is much more than a place of work. It’s a vibrant community that values fun, creativity, and innovation. By blending playful elements into the daily grind, Epic reinforces its commitment to not just creating incredible software but also nurturing a workplace that employees’ rave about. And in today’s job market, having such a distinctive headquarters may just be the secret sauce that keeps Epic ahead in the game. So, next time you find yourself contemplating a career choice, maybe a whimsical walk down Wisconsin’s yellow brick road is exactly where you need to be!
